PlatypusWatch and Platypus Kids, Saturday 13th
Locals can get involved in an eco-friendly program this weekend, as PlatypusWatch and Platypus Kids regroups for another session this Saturday 13th, from 1pm.
Join the PlatypusWatch group this weekend. Credit: File photo.
These sessions are an opportunity to welcome new PlatypusWatch and Platypus Kids surveyors to the Logan City group. Neither the Platypus Kids session nor the PlatypusWatch Induction for new surveyors workshops are full and further registrations are welcome via Eventbrite.
There are nearly 500 local community members that are part of the PlatypusWatch program, predominantly from the City of Logan and City of Gold Coast areas.
The PlatypusWatch program is coordinated by Watergum with funding support from Logan City Council and the City of Gold Coast. It started around 2008, and as it has expanded, more surveys have been undertaken of City of Logan’s rivers and waterways. Interest in the community continues to grow in this program.
On an average survey, around 30 to 40 people are involved. Surveys of priority locations are usually conducted twice annually, during the platypus mating season from July to September, and during the season when baby platypus are emerging from their burrows in March to April.
Join the PlatypusWatch survery for Logan City. Credit: File photo
The surveys are done during these periods as the platypus tend to be more active and easier to spot and survey.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this fantastic program! Interest in these events and concern for the platypus continues to grow. Since the pandemic restrictions have eased, there has been a noticeable increase in interest as more people are keen to get out into their community and involved in outdoor activities.
PlatypusWatch surveyors usually find suitable spots on the banks of the rivers and waterways (such as the upper reaches of the Albert River in City of Logan) to observe platypus. Sometimes as platypus are located in waterways adjacent to privately owned land, surveyors may also paddle in kayaks to gain better access to the river/creeks to conduct their surveys.
Given platypus are mostly nocturnal, much of their activity occurs at night and for that reason, dawn is regarded as the best time for people to watch and document these very shy animals.
PlatypusWatch is one of the most popular Citizen Science programs that Council funds.
To find out more and register, click here for PlatypusWatch and here for Platypus Kids.
The Koala Centre in Daisy Hill
Daisy Hill Koala Centre, Daisy Hill Conservation Park. Credit: Queensland Government
If you’re looking for a trek through nature, the best place to take the family this weekend is the Koala Centre in Daisy Hill.
Daisy Hill Koala Centre Senior Wildlife Officer Matthew Harding said the education centre, which has just recently been refurbished, is a wonderful day out and provides a unique wildlife experience.
“We have five resident koalas in a large outdoor enclosure,” he said. “Visitors can view and photograph the koalas from two viewing plat
Visitors can catch a glimpse of the resident Koalas. Credit: File photo
forms.”
The centre also offers a range of educational displays on koalas and other threatened species.
The airconditioned Woodland Theatre shows mini featurettes about species such as the Richmond birdwing butterflies and greater gliders.
Mr Harding said it was essential that people booked in for their Daisy Hill Koala Centre experience due to COVID restrictions.
Visitors should go to the Department of Environment and Science website and follow the links to the booking area.
Beyond the koala centre, visitors can walk, mountain bike and horse ride through tall eucalypt forest and sun-dappled melaleuca wetlands.
A world-class recreational trail network offered an opportunity to explore vibrant bushland in every direction.
High Tea Fundraiser at Blackout Coffee, Saturday 13th
This Saturday 13th, Logan City locals can get behind a great cause. From 10am to 12pm at Blackout Coffee in Crestmead, locals are being invited to a High Tea Fundraiser in the hopes of raising money for local organisation Empower Assistance Dogs.
Empower Assistance Dogs aims to enhance quality of life and independence for people with disabilities through providing professionally trained and government certified guide, hearing and assistance dogs.
Owner of Blackout Coffee Sarah Coad says the team are excited to support the amazing people at the Loganlea organisation.
“We’ve been sponsoring a puppy with Empower Assistance Dogs with a weekly donation,” Ms Coad said. “We named him Greg, and he’s only four and half weeks old.
“After the puppies turn eight weeks old, they go to a family who will train the puppy for two years.”
Once the dogs are trained, they are then paired to a new owner to enhance the quality of life of vision or hearing impaired, and/or physically or mentally challenged persons.
Get behind this great cause while enjoying a High Tea by purchasing tickets here.
$15 of the ticket price is included as a donation to Empower. Blackout Coffee is also offering a discounted price for anyone bringing a two-legged friend along. Multiple tickets purchased at the same time are $35 each, and a single ticket purchase is $40.
